Follett could be staying in the Bay Area as a pro
(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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Several sources are reporting that one of the most feared Pac-10 linebackers from 2008 will be participating in NFL workouts close to his old stomping ground.
Scout.com is reporting that Follett has scheduled to workout with the Oakland Raiders (privately) and the San Francisco 49ers (with other local NFL hopefuls).
Follett reportedly already interviewed with the Buffalo Bills and could be on a few other NFL radars for the coming NFL Draft.
So what does this all mean?
Well, when it comes to the NFL Draft, it could mean nothing. It's common for teams to workout players even if they are unsure of their interest in them. It could be that they expect another team within their division to be interested in the player working out for them and they'll take the opportunity to scout the player further for future use.
For instance, the Raiders often don't workout players that they intend to draft - and if they do work them out, it's rarely reported.
The 49ers are normally a little more open about their plans, but it should also be noted that GM Scot McCloughan and his brother David, Director of College Scouting, were raised within the Raiders organization. Their father, Kent McCloughan, has been a Raider since 1965 when he played defensive back for the organization and he's been a Raiders scout since the early '70's.
All three have proven talent evaluators so it may be a fortuitous situation for Follett. Right now, some services are projecting one of Cal's best linebackers in the last 30 years as a fourth round pick. A good workout could improve that standing.
Bear Backers already know that the kid can play. The Raiders and Niners by virtue of location should know as well.
*UPDATE* - According to Follett, he'll be working out on April 17th for the Niners, but I don't have a date for the Raiders as of yet.
DATE: April 18, 2009
TIME: 12:00 pm PST
2009 NFL Draft:
DATE: April 25-26, 2009
LOCATION: Radio City Music Hall, N.Y., N.Y.
Coverage
TV: ESPN & NFL Network
Comments
Nice read Rob! Can't wait for the football season to start. Looks like Marvin Jones is picking up some steam. Could he possibly be the receiver cal needs all along? I've only seen him on one play which is not enough to see how good he is. That one play however, was the late touchdown pass in the Maryland game. Seems like Marvin Jones could be a sleeper.
Good question John. Marvin Jones was expected to play a part in the passing game last season prior to his injury. For now, you could pretty much say that any of the receivers could be the one that steps up for the Bears in 2009.
For that reason, I'm going to take a wait-and-see approach to this question until we see who distances themselves in August.
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